Disneyland with toddlers - thoughts on our recent trip

[lcp9]

Two things that helped us (at WDW) at that age...


A toddler harness. I know they get a bad rap, but we had one of those monkey "backpack" ones where the parent holds the tail and it was an absolute godsend. It let ds wander around outside of the stroller and we didn't have to worry about losing him (he was most definitely a bolter). Ds was happy as a clam and would voluntarily ask to go back into the stroller..and then ask sometimes to wear his backpack and walk around.

oh my gosh, my two oldest, now 6 and 4, were totally fine to sit in the stroller and if they walked they'd hold hands and stay by us as toddlers. Like - we could stop for snacks and they'd sit nicely beside us. My now 2 year old - monkey backpack ALL THE WAY. If he knows he's not being watched, he takes off. After 5 minutes of using it at the airport to get through security I decided I could not care less what people thought of it, it was freaking genius. And, he didn't mind it once he came to terms with the fact he couldn't just run off with some other family.

 

[lcp9]

Thanks, everyone, for all the additional insights on bringing littles to the parks!

We might try DL again next year, depending on stamina and temperament. Definitely going to wait until at least age 5 (and maybe 7, as recommended above) for WDW.

I forgot to mention this above too - I think YOUR enjoyment will be affected by height of your kids. Both my oldest kids were 40" by 3, so my husband and I were only stuck on Dumbo for 1, maybe two trips. It's way more fun to do rider switch when you have at least one kid with you. Furthermore - if you have any opportunity to invite grandparents with stamina, sibling, etc., DO IT. My parents are mid-50s and pretty active, and I don't think I want to come without them anymore because basically having a nanny makes the entire experience so. so. so. much more tolerable.

Also, FWIW, we live in Idaho and we also probably won't do WDW until oldest are at least 7 and 5, if not older...mostly b/c if we go out to Florida we'll also do Universal and we need them to enjoy Harry Potter

 

[PollyannaMom]

And, he didn't mind it once he came to terms with the fact he couldn't just run off with some other family.

 

[RainyDayPixie]

My 22 month old at the time loved everything... except his stroller. He had a great time, but we were exhausted keeping track of him and carrying him. It got especially hard after dark. This was a December trip, so it got dark early.

I'm hoping next trip at 3 will be easier, but I know we're not golden until 6 or 7 (based on my older kids, at least).